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Halal refers to what is permissible in Islam in every aspect of daily life, as contrasted against haraam, what is forbidden. Because the dietary laws required by Islam are one of the most visible expressions of daily halal in the Dar al-Harb, the non-Islamic world, in non-Arabic speaking countries the word 'halal' is commonly identified only with those laws.

It can be difficult for Muslims to follow Islamic dietary laws in non-Islamic countries. The most straightforward is the prohibition against alcohol, which can be followed by not purchasing any and by begging off at social events which involve alcohol. An easy way to do this is to be the designated driver at such events.

Pork products are more problematic. Not only must all pork products be avoided but all prepared foods must also be treated as suspect. Besides the probable existence of hidden lard or other pork byproduct, there is every possibility that somewhere in the preparation process, meat was used which was not dhabiha halal (killed according to Islamic dietary rules). It is probably best to avoid all prepared foods entirely, although this is not always possible.

Outside the Dar al-Islam, common commercial methods of butchering meat animals do not comply with halal law. Quite apart from not following the mechanics of dhabiha, it is highly likely that the animal was butchered by someone who was not Muslim. Some Islamic schools of jurisprudence do find it acceptable to consume meat prepared by a non-Muslim, provided the animal has been butchered in the dhabiha way by a person of the Book (Jew, Christian, Zoroastrian). Others do not.

In areas with large immigrant populations, many independents and even major grocery chains now sell halal meats. Most large civic centres also now have at least one store which sells exclusively halal products. Depending upon the wider degree of tolerance, such stores may advertise their halal goods directly in the local telephone book. If not, the local mosque will know of them.

Restaurants present a particular challenge. If the restaurant is run by a Muslim, it is likely that its food is halal. If not, the safest bets are the vegetarian options, which by definition will have no meat products. Some Islamic schools of jurisprudence also relax the halal laws with respect to the killing of fish; however, it is a good idea to avoid fried or battered fish, which may once again introduce other meat products. Fast food is best avoided entirely.

In the United States and Canada, the Muslim Consumer Group certifies foods as halal, and also researches food additives and other food products to determine whether they comply with Muslim dietary laws. Foods that meet dhabiha halal standards are certified by the Muslim Consumer Group as H-MCG. Other similar centres in the world are the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA), the Halal Monitoring Committee, Halal Australia, and the Halal Science Centre. Halal certification usually combines the designation of the certifying agency with either H or M.

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